A constituent laboratory of Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)
(AUTONOMOUS ORGANISATION UNDER THE DEPT. OF SCIENTIFIC & INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH, MINISTRY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, GOVT. OF INDIA)
The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched CoViNet, a new global network dedicated to the early detection, monitoring, and assessment of SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, and other coronaviruses of public health importance.
CoViNet builds on the WHO COVID-19 reference laboratory network established during the early pandemic. It brings together global laboratories specializing in human, animal, and environmental coronavirus surveillance, following a comprehensive One Health approach.
Representatives of CoViNet laboratories met in Geneva on March 26–27 to finalize an action plan for 2023-2025. This plan aims to equip WHO Member States with enhanced capabilities for early detection, risk assessment, and effective responses to coronavirus-related health challenges.
The WHO has recognized EE&PM CSIR-NEERI as the CoViNet member laboratory for environmental and wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses in the Southeast Asia region. CSIR-NEERI’s role is crucial in tracking viral circulation through environmental sampling and analysis.
Data generated by CoViNet will directly support WHO’s Technical Advisory Groups on Viral Evolution (TAG-VE) and Vaccine Composition (TAG-CO-VAC). This ensures that global health policies, vaccines, and countermeasures are informed by the latest scientific findings.
For more information on CoViNet, visit: WHO Coronavirus Network.
Phone: +91-712-2249971 (Ext. 663 & 355)
Email: k_khairnar@neeri.res.in, kskhairnar@gmail.com
Mobile: +91-7588887569
